FirstGen Scholars Program

The FirstGen Scholars Program is available to incoming students who are in the first generation of their family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree (i.e., neither of your parents completed a bachelor’s degree). Your success up to this point inspires us, and we are committed to your continued thriving because we believe in the valuable contribution you will bring to our community.

A living community in Biola’s newest residence hall, Blackstone Hall, on the same floor with other first­-generation students (if you plan to live on campus)*

A faculty mentor during your first year*

A peer mentor during your first year*

Yearlong workshops to support your success

Personalized career and academic advising*

Events and communication for parent(s)/guardian(s), family members and friends

*These program aspects are required to receive the scholarship.

Due to my own experience as a first-generation student, I am quite excited to share my experiences with all first­-generation students. My desire is to see all first­-generation students succeed and have a fruitful university experience."

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Meet First Generation Alumni

I was very capable, but I encountered challenges when I entered Biola that took me awhile to figure out. My academic experience was demanding, not only the coursework but understanding the expectations inside and outside of the classroom. I credit one of my professors with being extremely helpful during my first year of college."

As a first­-generation college student, I needed to be encouraged to consider grace for myself. I learned it is necessary to ask for help and know that getting help is neither a sign of weakness nor of slacking off. For first­-generation college students, there may be information that others take for granted but we don’t have. Our strengths are innumerable. What we lack is what makes us so good at learning and contributing to our classmates (and professors') learning."

Leticia Trujillo (’15)Church Engagement Assistant, Sojourners

As a former first­-generation student and someone who works with many first generation youth, I see the struggle that exists to be successful. When I heard that Biola was in the process of implementing a first generation program, I was overcome with excitement and joy. Biola definitely played a crucial role in my development and helped shape me into the man that I am today."